[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1390-E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF ELLEN PSENICKA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 12, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Ellen Psenicka, whose forty-year tenure as reporter, editor and 
publisher of the award-winning Neighborhood News, continues to 
enlighten, entertain and unite Cleveland's southeast community every 
Wednesday, highlighting current events along our city streets--from the 
neighborhoods of Slavic Village, to the streets of Garfield Heights, to 
the steps of Cleveland City Hall.
  Ellen grew up in Sandusky, Ohio and went on to attend Ohio 
University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Shortly 
following graduation, in June, 1969, Ellen was hired as a reporter by 
Jim Psenicka, publisher of the Neighborhood News. A few years later, 
Jim and Ellen were married, and they worked in dedication to each 
other, to the newspaper and to the community until Jim's passing in 
2001. At that time, Ellen accepted the torch of leadership passed to 
her by Jim, and she continues to carry on his legacy of excellence in 
journalism, and his commitment to the Greater Cleveland Community.
  Ellen's spirit of volunteerism and focus on the betterment of the 
community is evident

[[Page E1391]]

throughout Southeast Cleveland and its suburbs. Her kind and humble 
nature draws people to her, and she has garnered the admiration and 
respect of everyone she knows. She is a longtime member of the Garfield 
Heights Historical Society and serves as a board member for Cleveland 
Central Catholic High School. She is currently serving her second term 
as President of the Kiwanis of Southeast Cleveland. As a member and 
leader in Kiwanis, Ellen has been instrumental in leading several 
fundraising efforts aimed at local student scholarship awards, and 
recently, a fundraiser and recognition dinner honoring Dr. Javier Lopez 
which raised greatly-needed funds for his medical missions to Central 
America. Ellen has always reached out with a generous heart wherever 
and whenever needed. Her efforts in volunteerism also include her 
tireless dedication in her efforts to save St. Michael's hospital.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Ellen Psenicka, as she celebrates her 40th Anniversary with the 
Neighborhood News. The Neighborhood News is read by tens of thousands 
of people weekly, and continues to inform and unite us all. Ellen's 
commitment to bringing us the news of the neighborhood and her 
generosity as a community leader and volunteer serves to brighten and 
strengthen our entire community.

                          ____________________